The Osun State Police Command announced on Monday, the banning of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders, from wearing face masks and hoods.

The police command’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, made the announcement in a statement in Osogbo, explaining that the stern warning becomes imperative due to a series of reports received by the police command regarding criminal-minded bike riders using hoods with intent to commit crimes.

The statement charged members of the public not to board or engage in the service of any commercial motorcyclist with hoods or facemasks while working.

Mrs Opalola noticed that some motorcyclists wore hoods to conceal their identities by covering their noses with facemasks, intending to commit crimes such as robbery and rape.

She assured that the command would not relent in its efforts to reduce criminal acts in the state.

Mrs Opalola called on the leadership of bike riders’ associations in the state to warn their members against covering their heads and faces in any form while riding their motorcycles.

She also stated that the command has mapped out strategies to arrest and prosecute anyone who violates the ban.(Nigerian Tribune)